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Pacific Yew

Taxus brevifolia

Pacific Yew

Quick Facts

Deciduous or Evergreen?

Deciduous

Avg Height'

Avg Diameter"

35

20

Rarity

Family

Taxaceae

Growing Zone

In Arboretum?

4 - 7

Yes

Help

What's this?

Pacific Yew is a type of tree native to the Pacific Northwest, best characterized by soft, bright green foliage and exceptionally red fruits that closely resemble berries. This tree is often pruned into a shrub or ornamental bush. This tree is extremely slow growing, which can pose threats to its success and continued survival when it is crowded out by bigger trees.

Image by Walter Siegmund, Wiki Creative Commons

Foliage

Foliage grows in two rows along a central stem, point outward. All leaves are soft to the touch and can be easily broken off.

Seeds or Cones

The yew contains a small seed within the berry like structure that attaches to its foliage

All illustrations by A.S. Longman

Did you know?

This tree is poisonous to humans and animals if eaten. The bright red fruit looks enticing, but contains cardiotoxins that can cause extreme damage to the heart.

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Information last fact checked by UW Botanic Garden in Spring 2024

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